Volcán

A laid-back highland town on the western slopes of Volcán Barú, surrounded by fertile farmland, lakes and lava fields. It serves as a gateway to Lagunas de Volcán and the road to Cerro Punta and is popular for its cool climate and trout farms.

Things to do

• Lagunas de Volcán — Explore Panama's highest wetlands, twin lakes rich in birdlife and framed by Volcán Barú, reached via a rough dirt road best tackled in a 4x4.
• Visit a trout farm — Stop at one of the local truchas (trout farms) around Volcán where you can fish for or buy fresh rainbow trout raised in the cool mountain streams.
• Sitio Barriles archaeological site — Tour this pre-Columbian site on a working farm displaying carved stone statues, petroglyphs and ancient tools from one of Panama's oldest civilizations.
• Drive to Cerro Punta — Take the scenic mountain road climbing through terraced vegetable farms and cloud forest to the highland village of Cerro Punta.
• Hike Volcán Barú — Set out from the western slopes to climb Panama's highest peak, a strenuous ascent that on clear mornings reveals both the Pacific and Caribbean.
• Los Pozos de Caldera hot springs — Soak in the natural riverside thermal pools near Caldera, a short drive down from the highlands toward warmer country.
• Janson Family Coffee tour — Tour a local coffee estate to learn how high-altitude beans are grown, processed and roasted in the Chiriquí Highlands.
• Birdwatching around the wetlands — Look for resplendent quetzals, hummingbirds and waterfowl in the forests and lakes that surround the town.

Food to try

• Fresh highland trout — Order locally farmed trucha grilled or fried, the signature dish of Volcán thanks to its cold-water trout farms.
• Sancocho de gallina — Warm up with this hearty Panamanian chicken soup flavored with culantro and yuca, ideal for the cool highland climate.
• Panamanian coffee — Sample locally grown Chiriquí coffee, including prized Geisha beans, at a cafe or farm in and around town.
• Farm-fresh strawberries and vegetables — Buy strawberries, fresas con crema and crisp produce from roadside stands supplied by the surrounding fertile farms.
• Carimañolas and empanadas — Grab these fried yuca or corn pockets stuffed with seasoned meat as a quick local breakfast or snack.

Local customs & good to know

• Bring warm layers — Volcán sits at high altitude with cool days and cold nights, so pack a jacket even in the tropics.
• Rent a 4x4 for backroads — Many attractions like Lagunas de Volcán are on rough unpaved roads that ordinary cars struggle to reach.
• Cash is king — Many small farms, stands and eateries prefer cash in US dollars (the local currency), so carry small bills.
• Respect the rural rhythm — This is a quiet farming town where life starts early and slows by evening, so plan visits and meals accordingly.

Nearby

• Cerro Punta — 11 km
• Volcán Barú National Park — 11 km
• La Amistad International Park — 17 km
• The Lost Waterfalls — 19 km